Long-dead Genius

This past week was a busy one. Â I was in two concerts, for one thing. Â However, I did find the time to watch Amadeus for the second time. Â I forgot how depressing that movie is.

I love the movie for its brilliant use of Mozart’s music, but once it makes that dark turn I find it hard to watch. Â It is true that Mozart was a genius who may not have been appreciated as much as he deserved until after his death. Â It is true that he died a pauper, but that may have been more to do with his spending more than he earned than anything else. Â I’m not sure how accurate the rest of the movie is, but it’s worth watching. Â Once, anyway.

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2 Responses

Mae

The film is not meant to be historically accurate, nor is the play upon which it is based. It’s a historical drama that takes grains of truth and carries them to conclusion. However I will say that when the Baron von Swieten’s name came up in Music History this past semester, I did mention that he’s portrayed as a douche in that film. It’s interesting to note that he was a librettist, himself. It’s a pity that didn’t make it into the film – it would have given his smugness some depth.

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Laurel Woiwode

grew up in rural North Dakota with an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature. She writes movie and book reviews, and works on other writing and editing projects. Laurel is also always ready for outdoor adventures.